About LOOP
LOOP is an interactive installation by Olivier Girouard and Jonathan Villeneuve of EKUMEN. This new six-module edition features an original visual adaptation created in collaboration with British-Sri Lankan artist Murugiah, each animated sequence draws visitors into his colourful, surreal visual universe, blending playful storytelling with bold graphic design.
Inspired by the zoetrope, a 19th-century optical toy considered one of the earliest forms of animation, LOOP combines elements of the music box, the zoetrope and the railway handcar. Visitors sit inside each giant wheel and pump the lever together to set the cylinder in motion. As the images begin to spin, a carefully synchronized strobe effect creates the illusion of moving pictures, echoing the magic of early cinema.
Each zoetrope features an original soundtrack that emanates from the centre of the wheel. The speed of the animation, the rhythm of the music and the frequency of the light pulses are all determined by the participants' movements, making every interaction unique. By turning a simple mechanical gesture into a shared creative experience, LOOP invites people of all ages to slow down, collaborate and rediscover the joy of play in public space.
Easy Read Description
Loop is a fun artwork with six giant spinning wheels. Sit inside and work together to make the wheel turn. As it spins, lights, pictures and music create the illusion of moving animation. Everyone can join in and enjoy playing, creating and exploring together.
Location
St Paul's Square
What Three Words: ///moved.dress.simple
Sustainability Information
LOOP was designed as a long-lasting public artwork and demonstrated its durability by touring internationally since 2017. Its longevity reflects a sustainable approach to public art, where a single installation continues to engage new audiences year after year, reducing the need for frequent replacement while maximising its cultural impact.
About Olivier Girouard and Jonathan Villeneuve from EKUMEN
Ekumen is a Montreal-based production company working in the audio and media arts. For the last decade, the organisation has been highlighting sound in a variety of settings, including concerts, installations and stage productions.
Presented by QDSInternational
QDSinternational (QDSi) is the international distribution branch of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, dedicated to bringing immersive public art into cities around the world. Building on more than 20 years of experience in cultural production and placemaking, they work with municipalities, festivals and cultural organisations to transform public spaces into vibrant places where people gather, play and connect. Their catalogue features more than 20 touring installations spanning light, sound and participatory experiences. To date, these works have been presented in more than 107 cities worldwide, reaching audiences across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Over the years, QDSi has developed an international touring model that enables Montreal-born creative projects to travel seamlessly across the globe while adapting to the unique context of each destination. Working hand in hand with their partners, from planning and production to installation and on-site operations, they help cities and festivals use public art as a placemaking tool, creating memorable experiences that strengthen the connection between people and place.
Find out more about the artists.
Accessibility Information
A description of LOOP's soundscape for those who are hearing impaired.
An immersive instrumental soundscape created by Olivier Girouard inspired by Murugiah’s kaleidoscopic universe, where vibrant colours seem to pulse through sound.
Inspired by the shifting colors, transformations, and cyclical nature of Murugiah’s work and Bogdan’s animation, the music is built from fragments of voices, electronic sounds, and small instrumental motifs that continuously transform and recombine.
Centered around the theme of togetherness, it aims to create a sense of connection. The voice evokes human presence and connection, while the rhythm reflects the collective movement of the audience as their gestures bring LOOP to life. The music accompanies the shared pleasure of experiencing a moment of joy and wonder together.
A detailed description of LOOP for those who are visual impaired
